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Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has come under fire from Arsenal fans after describing the Premier League leaders’ latest performance as painfully boring even admitting he “switched off” before the final whistle.
Now atalkSPORT host, Stelling made the controversial remarks during Monday’s broadcast while analysing Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend. The Gunners dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, winning the game through a set-piece goal, a style Stelling said left him completely uninterested.
“They can’t keep relying on set-plays, they just can’t,” he said. “Watching that game was like watching paint dry, it was purgatory.” The veteran broadcaster then urged Mikel Arteta’s side to “be just a bit more expansive” in attack.
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“I love some of the Arsenal players. I love Saka, I love Odegaard, I love Eze. But please, please be just a bit more expansive. I mean watching Arsenal against Palace was like watching paint dry. It was purgatory.
“I started watching that match, and I had enough of it before they had a shot. I’d turned over by then, to watch Aston Villa vs Man City, which was a much better game.”
🥱 “Watching paint dry.”
🙏 “Please be just a bit more expansive.”
Jeff Stelling calls Arsenal’s football painfully dull and pleads for change! 😳#JeffStelling #AFC #ArsenalFC #talkSPORT pic.twitter.com/ZfW07tUnea
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) October 27, 2025
Although Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and are widely considered favourites for the title, their pragmatic approach has divided opinion. Under Arteta, the Gunners have prioritised structure and discipline, often favouring control and efficiency over attacking flair.
Stelling’s criticism quickly drew backlash from Arsenal supporters on social media. One fan wrote sarcastically, “Arsenal lads better change the way we play because poor old Jeff Stelling doesn’t like it and finds it boring.”
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Another fired back, “We’re boring now that we’re solid, tactical and efficient, but we were meek and weak-minded when we were expansive and fell short. What is it about our newfound solidity that’s upsetting you so much?”
Others defended the team’s style, arguing that opponents’ defensive tactics were to blame. “Arsenal aren’t boring, your teams just can’t cope with the pressure,” one supporter replied. “If you want excitement, try actually playing us.”
A few agreed with Stelling’s view but insisted results were all that mattered. “Even as an Arsenal fan it’s boring sometimes,” one admitted. “But we’re winning. Let’s not complain about that.”
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